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Controversy at Waukee schools ‘embarrassing to the community,’ residents say

Controversy at Waukee schools ‘embarrassing to the community,’ residents say

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Updated: 5:53 PM CST Jan 11, 2019

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WEBVTT THEIR MONEY WAS MISSPENT AND IT MAY BE A TIME FOR A BIG CHANGE. >> I MEAN, I THOUGHT WAUKEE WAS A GOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT, I GRADUATED FROM THERE. >> YOU KNOW I GOT THAT EMAIL TODAY, AND I COULD SAY I WASN’T ALL THAT SURPRISED BY IT. I THINK IT MIGHT BE TIME FOR A LITTLE BIT OF CHANGE. >> IF QUESTIONS AREN’T GETTING ANSWERED, WE NEED SOME RESOLUTIONS OR CLEANSING I GUESS. REPORTER: STRONG REACTIONS FRIDAY TO WAUKEE SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDANT CINDI MCDONALD’S SUDDEN RESIGNATION. IN AN EMAIL TO PARENTS, STUDENTS , AND STAFF, MCDONALD SAID "IT IS WITH MIXED EMOTIONS I ANNOUNCE MY RETIREMENT FROM PUBLIC EDUCATION. I AM ALSO EXCITED TO MOVE ON TO THE NEXT CHAPTER OF LIFE, EXPLORING NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND ADVENTURES." >> I USED TO BE NEIGHBORS WITH HER, BACK IN THE DAY. SHE WAS A GOOD PERSON TO US. REPORTER: A KIND REFLECTION OF THE DISTRICT’S TOP DOG WHO LASTED UNDER TWO YEARS IN THE JOB. HOWEVER, MANY PARENTS AND TAX PAYERS WITH THE DISTRICT SAY THEY’RE UPSET. >> IT'S JUST A LITTLE EMBARRASSING TO THE COMMUNITY RIGHT NOW. REPORTER: GIVEN THE RECENT RESIGNATION OF FORMER DISTRICT CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIC ROSE, WHO’S NOW FACING UP TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON, THIS MAN SAYS HE’S CONFIDENT MCDONALD’S RETIREMENT MEANS MORE WILL COME OUT. >> IT PROBABLY GOES DEEPER AND THERE ARE OTHER FOLKS INVOLVED. REPORTER: AMANDA JOUBERT HAS TWO YOUNG KIDS IN THE DISTRICT SHE . SHE SAYS SHE WANTS TO PUT THIS ALL IN THE PAST. >> NOBODY’S TRYING TO DO ANYTHING THAT WILL HURT OUR STUDENTS. I THINK WE HAD A COUPLE OF

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Controversy at Waukee schools ‘embarrassing to the community,’ residents say

In an email to parents, students and staff, McDonald said, "It is with mixed emotions I announce my retirement from public education. I am also excited to move on to the next chapter of life exploring new opportunities and adventures."

District Chief Operating Officer Eric Rose resigned from his position in December after he was charged with two counts of solicitation to commit a felony and one count of felonious misconduct.

According to court documents, Rose, on several occasions, falsified a school district worker's time card. Rose's attorney said his client is innocent.

"It's just a little embarrassing to the community right now," Waukee resident Jeff Overton said.

Given the recent resignation Rose, who's now facing up to five years in prison, Overton said he is confident that McDonald's retirement means more will come out.

"It probably goes deeper and there are other folks involved," Overton said.

Spokespersons for the Waukee School District declined to speak on camera but told KCCI over the phone that they will vote on McDonald's registration Monday.

Waukee School District officials said there is a chance McDonald could ride out the rest of her contract, meaning she will would work for the school district until June 2020.